Frank Smith Park wetland

Located in Coromandel Valley, Frank Smith Park is a reserve approximately 12 hectares in size. The need for a wetland on the site was identified in the initial management plan for the Patawalonga Catchment Water Management Board.

Community support for the project saw the development of the Frank Smith Park Wetland Working Group, which included representatives from:

Cities of Onkaparinga and Mitcham

Patawalonga Catchment Water Management Board

Greening Australia

Coromandel Valley Community Association

Coromandel Primary School.

In 1998, a concept plan for the wetland was developed. Construction began in December 2000 and was completed in 2001.

The purpose of the wetland is to:

improve water quality downstream of the Sturt River

enhance the existing corridor linking native vegetation along the river

form part of the Sturt River Linear Park, catering for passive recreation activities

provide environmental education opportunities by promoting issues such as water quality, catchment care and biodiversity.

The wetland area is made up of three ponds which sit at different levels. Each pond was designed to perform a separate function. The upstream pond forms an inlet zone, the central pond provides rock islands for bird loafing and the downstream pond forms a mudflat.